Over recent decades terracotta pots have become increasingly popular with those who wish to create a contemporary garden design. However, unbeknown to many people, terracotta has actually been used architecturally for many centuries.

The pots originate from their use throughout history for sculpture, pottery, bricks and roof shingles. In ancient times, the first clay sculptures were dried (baked) in the sun after being found and were then placed in the ashes of open hearths to harden. Kilns were then used, similar to those that are more traditionally used for pottery today.

The few people who know this information therefore like to use these pots as part of their contemporary garden design because they provide a sense of history and culture.

When people think of terracotta pots they normally think of something that they would normally find in their contemporary garden design. However, terracotta has been used for many centuries around the world for lots of different reasons.

The most famous terra cotta statues are those of the terra cotta warriors in China and another significant user of terracotta has been Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army of China. American architect Louis Sullivan is well – known for his elaborate glazed terracotta ornamentation which is only possible with terracotta. Terracotta has also been used extensively in the town buildings of Victorian Birmingham, England and pre-colonial West African sculpture also made extensive use of terracotta.

In the times of pre – colonial West Africa many people were making use of the terracotta that was available to them. Today some of the most recognised places for producing terracotta include the Nok culture of central and north – central Nigeria and the lgbo culture area of eastern Nigeria. All of these reasons excelled in producing terracotta which is why they have become famous for it today.

Some of the reasons why lots of different cultures chose to build with terracotta are because it is much simpler and lighter than other materials. As well as this it was discovered to be very long lasting and could tolerate very low temperatures in the winter months. This meant that people could be assured that their architectural work wouldn’t break or suffer from frost when it was very cold.

With such an impressive history behind it, it’s not surprising that so many people who are looking for a contemporary garden design turn to terracotta. With an impressive and culturally diverse history behind it, terracotta is bound to make any garden more interesting and unique.




By: Derek Both